Powerful storms swept through multiple states in the central US on Sunday, leaving at least 20 people dead and hundreds injured. The worst damage was reported in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Seven deaths were recorded in Cooke County, Texas alone, including two children. Three family members were found dead in one home there.
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky declared a state of emergency due to the severe weather conditions and multiple reports of wind damage and tornadoes.
According to preliminary reports from Storm Prediction Center, at least 622 reports of severe weather were recorded on Sunday, including 14 tornadoes. The storms caused widespread destruction across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, New York City and other states.
Approximately 25,000 Pennyrile Electric members in western Kentucky were left without power as a result of the storms. No estimate has been given for when power will be restored for all customers.
Rescue efforts were underway in several areas, including the Pembroke area of Christian County, where homes were damaged and trees knocked down. Officials urged citizens to stay off the roadways to make way for electrical crews and first responders.
The National Weather Service reported that a large tornado traced its path through Princeton, Dawson Springs and Charleston in Kentucky, leaving extensive damage in its wake. The storms also caused significant damage in Bowling Green, where one home on Allen Michael Lane suffered extensive damage. No injuries were reported at the scene.
The storms are expected to shift eastward on Monday, covering a broad swath of the country from Alabama to near New York City.
